It Takes Two Lawyers Trained in the Collaborative Process to Provide Competent Representation

Like marriage, the Collaborative Process takes two; two spouses and two lawyers. Inherent in any of the different processes available to end a marriage, whether it be litigation, mediation or Collaborative Practice, there are competing interests surrounding division of marital property and the allocation of income and expenses. One lawyer cannot represent two parties, and one mediator does not represent either party. So, it takes two lawyers trained in the Collaborative Process to provide competent representation for each spouse in the process designed to end a marriage by way of uncontested Dissolution. Just because you have two lawyers, however, representing two people with competing interests, it does not mean you must endure the long list of horribles most people think of when they think of lawyers and divorce.

First, remember you’re thinking Dissolution, not Divorce. You negotiate your agreements before you get anywhere near a courthouse. You voluntarily choose to control not only your decisions, but how you will make your decisions. Your lawyers take instruction from you about your choices and your family. The lawyers provide you with information which will empower your choices and help you make up your own mind, all the while being at your side for support and guidance.

In the beginning, when you are choosing a process like Collaborative (and if you are reading this you are well on your way to doing so) you may be wondering how will my spouse get the same information of find a competent Collaborative attorney?

There are several excellent attorneys in the Greater Cincinnati area who are trained and experienced in the Collaborative Process. I know this from personal experience, as over the years, I have had the occasion to work with many of them. I can provide you with a list of potential attorneys who I have worked with before ,nwho I know are outstanding Collaborative Process lawyers. In addition, I can provide you with additional information that you can provide to your spouse to help your spouse find an experience Collaborative Process attorney.

I can also direct you to a mental health professional trained in the Collaborative Process. These neutral professionals are skilled in the communication arts and managing strong emotions and they can direct each spouse of experienced legal Collaborative professionals.